Hospitality Jobs Africa Visit Cape Town Winelands
A day in the diary of Chris Phillips, Business Development / Project Manager.
On the 17th of October 2023, We met with the representatives of the HRC Graduate Placement Company at the Radisson Hotel in Cape Town. I was introduced to Grace and Esther as the new associate joining the HJA team. They are committed to continuing a working relationship with HJA and are impressed by the quality of candidates who are vetted and presented to them by us. The meet and greet was brief and the important issues for continuous future collaboration were discussed.
We then embarked on an afternoon tour of Radisson Blue Hotel, where Sarah chatted with some of the staff and promoted the services of HJA. With an amazing view and a well-deserved lunch, we ended the day and had an early night to prepare for the Winelands Work Visit the next day.
The following day our first meeting was at Delaire Graff Estate with the HR department. Jeaninne and Simone were very welcoming and introduced us to the General Manager. They were very specific on the type of candidates they require and they do have some urgent positions to be filled. Zana has made work of their requirements immediately and has sent some options of candidates to them. We had a tour of the property and the different divisions.
They do however make use of more than a few recruitment agencies and Sarah mentioned that it might dilute the effectiveness and quality of the candidates. After a visit to the wine–tasting room and restaurant, we had a good idea of the type of candidate they require for the positions. We departed from here and went on to Vrede en Lust Wine Estate. Sarah and Zana again spoke to some staff and introduced HJA. There was quite a keen interest and we will do a follow-up.
I mentioned to Zana that CurioCity was looking at filling some positions. We immediately called their HR department and I could listen in on how Zana represented HJA and basically closed the deal and brought them on board as a client. A very interesting and good learning experience for me.
Our next stop was Grande Roche Hotel in Paarl. Christiaan Campbell was recently appointed as the new head chef at Grande Roche. Christiaan’s philosophy is about sustainable and well-sourced ethical products to be used in his kitchen. Sarah spoke to him and he asked us to please experience the current menu and give him some feedback. He is currently a client and Sarah has been working with him closely to provide a restaurant manager.
The menu and presentation are still in the early phase and Sarah will give some feedback to Christiaan. Indeed a unique lunch experience. Laborie is a wine farm that is famous for its wines and culinary delights. We enjoyed the beautiful view over Paarl and chatted with a few of the staff here as well. The wine farms and accommodation establishments are constantly looking for eager and enthusiastic employees.
With over 200 just in my area, I will be making work of it to introduce HJA and our services to all of them.
This article, written by Christopher Phillips
HJA staff in featured image from right to left: Christopher Phillips, Sarah Donnelly, Zana Scheltema